Paterson, NJ vs San Juan Capistrano, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Paterson
63.6
#1757 nationally
San Juan Capistrano
62.8
#1825 nationally
San Juan Capistrano leads in crime level (4.5 vs 26.8). San Juan Capistrano leads in median household income ($123,474 vs $52,092). Paterson leads in walk score (76 vs 34).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Paterson, NJ | San Juan Capistrano, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.6 (#1757) | 62.8 (#1825) |
| Population | 156,452 | 34,754 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $542,128 | $1,350,010 |
| Median Household Income | $52,092 | $123,474 |
| Average Commute | 23.4 min | 28 min |
| Walk Score | 76 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 26.8 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 186 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.9 | D+2.6 |
D
63.6 Score
Paterson, NJ
Mid-size New Jersey city with community character
Median Home
$542,128
Population
156,452
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
76
Northeast
View Paterson, NJ →
D-
62.8 Score
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,350,010
Population
34,754
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
34
Pacific
View San Juan Capistrano, CA →
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